It isn't uncommon to see people claiming or joking that the character of Luke Skywalker was based on George Lucas.
For example, George Lucas in Love and this Onion article.
I can see where this is coming from as they do seem to have some similarities.
For example:
- The names (Lucas and Luke)
- George drag-raced when he was younger, Luke raced spaceships and speeders.
- Both were raised in the desert.
So has Lucas, anyone close to him or anyone involved with the creation of Star Wars ever stated whether or not the character of Luke was based on or inspired by Lucas himself?